Friday, August 22, 2008

Rules and Credentials Meetings this weekend

WE'VE MOVED! Democratic Convention Watch is now at http://www.DemocraticConventionWatch.com

Official convention activities really start tomorrow, with the Rules Committee meeting, and the Credentials Committee meeting on Sunday. Both meetings are open to the public.

The Rules Committee will be presented with a proposal from the Obama campaign to establish a special commission to recommend changes to the Democratic Party's rules for delegate selection and presidential primary timing for future presidential cycles.

The 'Democratic Change Commission' will address three issues 1) changes to the opening of the window and pre-window, 2) reducing the number of superdelegates and 3) changes to the caucus system. The goal of the commission will be to ensure that no primary or caucus is held prior to the first Tuesday in March of 2012, with the exception of the approved pre-window states, whose contests would be held during February 2012.

The question of whether the FL and MI delegations should be granted full votes will be discussed at the Credentials Committee.

Sat., 11:30 am RULES COMMITTEE MEETING
One of three “Standing Committees” of the 2008 Convention, the Rules Committee is responsible for the “Permanent Rules of Procedure,” Convention Agenda, and Officers. Former Governor David Walters, former Congresswoman Mary Rose Oakar and Sunita Leeds, Chair of the DNC Indo-American Leadership Council Advisory Board, serve as Chairs. Public registration begins at 10:30 am outside meeting room.
Location: Colorado Convention Center, Four Seasons Ballroom

Sun., 11:30 am CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE MEETING
One of three “Standing Committees” of the 2008 Convention, the Credentials Committee resolves outstanding questions concerning the seating of delegates and alternates to the Convention, to determine who should be recognized to vote. The Committee is led by former U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexis M. Herman, Massachusetts DNC member James Roosevelt, Jr., and Puerto Rico DNC member Eliseo Roques Arroyo. Public registration begins at 10:30 a.m. outside meeting room.
Location: Colorado Convention Center, Korbel Ballroom 4